Measures to promote biodiversity in viticulture—how do socio-economic factors influence implementation?

Abstract

Context and purpose. In Germany, vineyards are typically intensively managed monocultural systems shaped by low structural variability. However, vineyards can have a high conservation value for biodiversity and associated ecosystem services. In cooperation with Fair and Green e.V. (FNG) and Hochschule Geisenheim University (HGU), strategies are developed to help winegrowers enhance biodiversity in vineyards through the ‘AmBiTo’ project. In this context, researchers of the HGU explore socio-economic factors that influence the implementation of biodiversity measures. This comprises analyzing potential advantages and challenges of implementing biodiversity strategies including the availability of funding opportunities, financial incentives, and the economic viability. The economic viability is examined by contribution margin accounting helping to identify cost-effective solutions that align with both environmental sustainability and economic goals. This analysis forms the basis for deriving recommendations for appropriate funding measures.

Materials and methods. For socio-economic research, qualitative interviews (N=24), focus groups (N=23) and a quantitative online survey (N=500) were conducted. All methods focused on gathering information about operational conditions, motivations for implementing biodiversity measures, and reasons for not implementing them. They also explored factors influencing current and future decisions to adopt these measures.

Results. The preliminary findings indicate that the majority of winegrowers recognize the implementation of biodiversity measures as a way to establish a more sustainable and resilient foundation for production. They expect advantages such as improved soil health and enhanced ecosystem services which could support long-term vineyard productivity. However, climate change was identified as a major challenge. Winegrowers expressed concerns about the increasing frequency of droughts and a potential risk of increased competition for water. Other challenges identified were perceived high efforts and costs as well as concerns about insufficient funding availability and a general gap between sums of funding received. These findings underscore the need for targeted funding and support mechanisms to address the barriers identified and facilitate the broader adoption of biodiversity measures in vineyard management.